The spalling and corrosion during the thermal cycles are the main causes of the damages observed in Al2O3-SiC-C castable composites that are used in molten-iron system. Using the catalyst of nano Ni and ball pitch in the matrix, Al2O3-SiC-C castable composites were prepared with the anti-oxidant addition of silicon. The results indicate that the high temperature of the Al2O3-SiC-C castable composites can be increased by above 42%, and the thermal shock resistance can be enhanced by above 20% because the ball pitch is carbonized and releases CxHy vapor, which can be pyrolized to carbon atoms and subsequently deposited into carbon fibers under the catalyst action. The starting temperature of carbon fiber growth is approximately 900 degrees C, and their diameter and aspect ratio can increase with the rising temperature. The in-situ generation of carbon fibers in Al2O3-SiC-C castable composites can significantly improve the fibers' thermo-mechanical properties. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.